Preventive request
A preventive submission to Interpol makes sense where there are grounds to believe that an international search may be initiated in a particular case. It allows legal arguments to be presented in advance and draws attention to the possible inconsistency of the expected notice with Interpol’s rules and procedures.
Learn about a notice before it gets in the way
Many people learn of a notice only at a border. A preventive request to the CCF lets you find out in advance whether Interpol holds data about you and prepare a defence before a trip, a transaction or a residence application.
If data is found, we move straight to a complaint. If there is no data yet but a real risk, the Commission can be sent a position on the political nature of the prosecution in advance.
When it is useful
- Before travelling abroad
- Before applying for a visa, residence or citizenship
- If a case has been opened at home
- If relatives are being questioned
Outcome of the check
Whether data exists
We learn whether Interpol’s files hold data about you and in what form: a notice, a diffusion or another record.
Content
If the source country does not object, the Commission discloses what data is held.
Risk assessment
We understand how risky a particular trip or transaction is.
Pre-emptive position
Where a notice is likely, we put the persecution arguments to the Commission in advance.
Plan
If data exists, we prepare a complaint; if not, we advise on next steps.
Confidentiality
We plan what to disclose in the request so as not to cause harm.
Stages of the request
Consultation
We review the situation at home and decide whether to file.
Preparation
We draft the request in one of Interpol’s working languages with an ID copy.
Filing
We send it to the CCF and answer the Commission’s follow-up questions.
Reply
Under CCF rules an access request is answered within 4 months.
Common questions about a preventive request
Could the request trigger a notice?
A request is not in itself a ground for a notice. But if data exists, the Commission consults the source NCB, so we plan the content carefully.
What is needed?
A passport copy, a request in English, French, Spanish or Arabic and, if needed, a power of attorney for the representative.
Can I check myself on Interpol’s website?
Only a small share of Red Notices is published. Not being on the public list does not mean there is no data.